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The Las Vegas Golden Knights were embroiled in a controversial contract dispute over Robin Lehner. The player is in the final year of his contract, but he hasn't played in over a full season and may not this year, either. The Golden Knights wanted to avoid paying him, which could impact their financial flexibility.
The NHL and NHLPA eventually intervened, leading to a resolution in what has been dubbed a "unique situation." The Golden Knights will pay Lehner, but his contract will not count against the salary cap.
Elliotte Friedman broke it down, saying:
"NHL/NHLPA have reached an agreement on Robin Lehner/Vegas. Simplest way to put it is this: Lehner’s contract will not count against the cap, but he will still be paid his salary."
This resolution is virtually unprecedented in the NHL, and it had fans wondering. Given the team's history of controversies, many fans believe this could be yet another issue for the team.
"Of course the NHL helps out Vegas," one fan said.
"How is this even possible... I don’t understand how it’s possible Vegas could get around this," another fan said.
Here are some more reactions from the fans:
"Can’t start the season without Vegas and LTIR showing up," another fan said.
"Vegas gets the cap space while literally every other team has to deal with LTIR. Typical NHL BS, I'm really not surprised," one fan said.
This sort of relief has not been granted to a team much before, so fans were quick to call the league out for what they perceived as preferential treatment.
Robin Lehner's assets frozen amidst bankruptcy issues
Almost a week ago, one federal bankruptcy judge decided to freeze the assets of Robin Lehner after lawyers for one of the largest groups involved in his pending bankruptcy case alleged wrongdoing. They claim he has frivolously spent and made improper transfers.
A lawsuit, according to Review Journal, says that Aliya Growth Fund claims the company thinks it won't be paid the $4.8 million Lehner and his wife owe. The reasoning is that, per the filing, the Lehners have been transferring money from their bank accounts to non-creditors. This reportedly includes shell companies with Dubai connections.
The filing also alleges that the Vegas Golden Knights star spent $1.5 million on gambling and other luxury purchases after filing for bankruptcy.
